German Sail GP team tests Sassnitz: sailing fun on the Baltic Sea!

German Sail GP team tests Sassnitz: sailing fun on the Baltic Sea!

In an exciting week for German sailing, the Sail GP team, led by team captain and helmsman Erik Heil and “Grinder” Jonathan Knottnerus-Meyer, visited the coastal town of Sassnitz. This trip took place on June 20, 2025 and served to familiarize yourself with the nautical conditions of the German sailing circuit. Sassnitz was deliberately chosen as the venue because it is one of the windiest places on the German Baltic Sea coast and offers ideal conditions for fast sailing. NDR reports that the Sail GP 2025 races will take place in Germany for the first time, marking a special moment for the German team.

What characterizes the revolution on water? The Sail GP is often referred to as “Formula 1 on the water”, and for good reason. The twelve participating international teams sail in state-of-the-art F50 sailing catamarans that can reach speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour. These impressive speeds are achieved through so-called foil technology, which allows the boats to “fly” out of the water. This technology is crucial for competition where everything counts in milliseconds.

The F50 catamaran

The F50 catamarans used in the Sail GP have a hull length of 50 feet and are specifically optimized for this competition. The catamaran is based on the AC50 design from the 2017 America's Cup, but has been further developed. With a crew of six, including grip and trimmer, each participant has a common mission: to win the highly competitive race. Wikipedia highlights that the catamaran is designed to not only look spectacular, but also to enable high-speed racing in extreme conditions.

27-year-old Jonathan Knottnerus-Meyer, who grew up in Schwerin, is a respected grinder and plays a crucial role in the races. His job is to align the sails with the wind and to trim them optimally using muscle strength and endurance. With high hopes for a top placing in Sassnitz, he is determined to leave a lasting impression.

Sassnitz and the future of Sail GP

The conversation between the German team and the state government on May 21st gave hope that Sassnitz would also be considered as a venue for 2026. The Sail GP could thus become an integral part of German sailing history, and anticipation for the upcoming races is growing. The most exciting races are designed over two days and include a total of six exciting competitions - alternating fleet races and a final match race between the best-placed teams. Yachting World reports that the season's prize money is a whopping $1 million, further increasing the event's appeal.

With its innovative technology, breathtaking speed and the tireless commitment of its teams, Sail GP could truly be the next big thing in watersports. The anticipation for the first races in Germany is huge - and the expectations of the German team are also high!